Kilimanjaro Trek
The longest and most remote route on Kilimanjaro. Nine days circumnavigating the mountain with the best acclimatization profile and highest success rate of any route. You will have entire sections of the trail to yourself. For trekkers who want the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience and are willing to invest the time.
Starting from the west and traversing the rarely visited northern slopes, the Northern Circuit offers perspectives of Kilimanjaro that few people ever see. The extended time on the mountain gives your body the best possible preparation for summit night, making this the route with the highest success rate.
Drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate on the western flank of Kilimanjaro. Trek through pristine montane rainforest rich with birdlife and colobus monkeys. The canopy towers overhead as the trail climbs gently to Big Tree Camp. 7km, 3-4 hours. Elevation gain: +680m.
Leave the rainforest and climb through heath and moorland onto the Shira Plateau. Giant heather and lobelia dot the landscape. Views open up in all directions as you cross one of Kilimanjaro's three volcanic cones. 7km, 5-6 hours. Elevation gain: +725m.
Cross the expansive Shira Plateau with Kibo peak dominating the eastern skyline. The terrain is open and the views are vast. Arrive at Moir Hut, a remote camp beneath towering lava formations. An optional acclimatization hike to Lent Hills adds altitude exposure. 6km, 5-6 hours. Elevation gain: +695m.
The northern traverse begins. This is where the Northern Circuit diverges from all other routes. The trail crosses remote ridges and valleys on the rarely visited northern face of Kilimanjaro. You are likely to be completely alone on the trail. 7km, 5-6 hours. Elevation gain/loss: net -180m (with ups and downs).
Continue across the remote northern face with views of the Kenyan plains stretching to the horizon. The landscape is stark and beautiful, alpine desert with scattered volcanic rock. The isolation and silence are profound. 8km, 5-6 hours. Elevation gain/loss: net -150m.
Climb to higher altitude as you prepare for the summit push. The terrain becomes increasingly barren and lunar. Rest at camp and prepare mentally and physically for the midnight departure. Your guides will brief you on what to expect. 5km, 4-5 hours. Elevation gain: +880m.
Depart around midnight. The final ascent by headlamp is steep but the nine days of acclimatization have prepared your body well. Reach the crater rim as dawn breaks and continue to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. Descend via the southern slopes to Millennium Camp. 18km, 12-16 hours. Elevation gain: +1,145m / descent: -2,075m.
Descend through moorland into the upper reaches of the rainforest. The air grows warmer and thicker. The mood is relaxed and celebratory as you share stories of the summit with your team. 8km, 4-5 hours. Descent: -720m.
Final descent through lush rainforest. Collect your summit certificate at Mweka Gate and say goodbye to your mountain crew. Transfer back to Arusha. 10km, 3-4 hours. Descent: -1,460m.
We can help you choose the best route and prepare for your trek. Every detail is taken care of.
